Liverpool goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros has suffered a serious injury on loan at Ajax, meaning he will be out for the rest of the season.
Jaros had been making good progress on loan at Ajax, starting 19 games in the Eredivisie and all six Champions League matches.
He even regained his place in the side under new coach Fred Grim, following the departure of John Heitinga in November, who had dropped him in a desperate attempt to turn the team’s fortunes around.
However, his development has now been halted with his season coming to a premature end.
The 24-year-old shotstopper suffered what Ajax describe as a ‘serious knee injury’ in training on Friday and has already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Dutch club added that examinations at the hospital have shown that he will subsequently require surgery.
Vitezslav Jaros has ambitions of replacing Alisson
BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Liverpool's goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros lines-up before the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the AMEX Community Stadium. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is of course a big blow to Jaros, who was emerging as a very promising goalkeeper in Liverpool’s ranks.
Last season, Jaros made his debut for the Reds in October, coming on for the injured Alisson away at Crystal Palace in a pivotal moment.
Despite the high-pressure circumstances, Jaros was composed and helped Liverpool see out a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park.
The Czech ‘keeper then started his first match 25 days later, as Arne Slot‘s side beat Brighton 3-2 away in the Carabao Cup.
His performances were so proficient that many supporters weren’t phased by having to see their third-choice goalkeeper start.
The return of Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher‘s presence meant that he didn’t feature again for Liverpool, but he had done enough to earn himself a loan move to Dutch giants Ajax.
BRIGHTON & HOVE, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 30, 2024: Liverpool's goalkeeper Vitezslav Jaros during the pre-match warm-up before the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Liverpool FC at the AMEX Community Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Jaros has made clear his ambition to succeed at Liverpool despite going on loan, telling De Telegraaf in December: “When I’m ready to become Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, especially with two formidable competitors like Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili, is difficult to say because taking their place isn’t easy.
“But that’s ultimately the goal and once I succeed, I want to win the Champions League.”
While his loan spell at Ajax until his injury can be deemed a success, he did have to overcome a setback when he was dropped in November.
Speaking about his spell out of the team, Jaros said: “It was a surprise, and therefore a difficult time to be sidelined for five matches,” recalled Jaros.
“You often see managers try something under pressure when the team isn’t performing as hoped. I’m happy to have my starting spot back and hope to hold on to it.”
Liverpool are committed to Jaros, having given him a new deal last summer. Hopefully, he can once again show his psychological steel to come back stronger next season.